AGRICULTURE GROUP
ASSOCIATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY LED ENTERPRISES
APPLYING BIOTECHNOLOGY TO ENABLE HIGHER FARM PRODUCTIVITY, SAFER FOOD AND
A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
ABLE-AG- Association of Biotech Led Enterprises (Agriculture Focus Group) is an association of 13
leading biotechnology companies focused on research and development of innovative agriculture
Biotechnology products for the benefit of farmers, consumers and the nation.
ABLE-AG aims to accelerate the pace of agricultural growth in India by enabling strategic alliances
between researchers, the Government and the global biotech industry to increase crop productivity,
help meet domestic food security, and contribute to the inclusive growth.
Our Objectives





Create an enabling environment for the development and adoption of superior biotech traits
that can enhance productivity of Indian agriculture with safety and sustainable agricultural
practices.
Create a platform to facilitate constructive dialogue with different stakeholders, and to explain
benefits of the technology, the difficulties faced by technology providers and the need for an
enabling environment that is required for healthy growth of safe technology in India.
Create awareness among different stakeholders on use and benefits of various biotech traits
and tools that are available to the country.
Work with the government on various policies related matters, and ensure that the views of the
industry are incorporated in the formulation of different policies of the government in relation
to agricultural Biotechnology.
Emerge as an influential voice of the industry.
Background
Agricultural biotechnologies offer benefits for insect protection, weed management, yield
enhancement, drought and flood tolerance, nutrition enhancement, healthier oils and more.
Technologies based on recombinant-DNA science such as molecular diagnostics and Marker Assisted
Selection (MAS) are readily applied and accepted, but those based on Genetic Modification (GM) needs
far more elaborate testing, and so takes much time to develop products. So far, Bt cotton is the only
product commercialized in India (since 2002) which has been accepted widely. Its introduction has
helped in nearly doubling cotton production within a short time it took to double the yield of Green
Revolution crops such as rice (16 years to double) and wheat (20 years).
Many more products from both public and private institutions are being tested for safety and efficacy
before commercialization under the strict regulatory system existing in the country. Since the
technology is delivered to farmers in the form of improved seeds, the impact can be seen rapidly when
such seeds are adopted. Through this technology, farmers are offered in-seed benefits for several novel
and impactful traits across relevant crops and agro-ecological regions. The consumers also benefit
because of healthier products such as food with healthier oils and essential nutrients like vitamins. Agri
biotechnology can also prevent post-harvest losses, and can provide novel industrial raw materials and
neutraceuticals. The enhanced productivity brought about through a variety of technologies also
ensures that no virgin land and forests need to be diverted for agriculture, thereby ensuring
conservation and biodiversity.
Biotechnology holds a great deal of promise to achieving a more sustainable future including food
security. With a world population expected to reach nearly nine billion by 2050, Biotechnology offers
new potential for meeting the world’s demand for food, feed, fuel and materials while reducing our
footprint on the planet. It may result in environmental benefits because biotech crops often require
reduced application of pesticides. In addition, biotech crops may also help to conserve soil, moisture and
reduce erosion through no-till and minimum till farming practices.
With the present environment in the country, we are continuing farmer-focused research and looking
forward to showcasing bio-safety and bio-efficacy in the fields as well as increasing stakeholder
dialogue. No doubt, the development and responsible deployment of improved seeds involve a variety
of technologies and options, and these are fully factored before commercialization. We also interact
closely with other like-minded organizations, and public programs that benefit the Indian society as a
whole.
ASSOCIATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY LED ENTERPRISES- AGRICULTURE FOCUS GROUP
Flat No.309, 3rd Floor, Merchantile House, 15 K.G. Marg,
New Delhi -110001, Phone – 011-23731127
Visit us @ www.ableag.org
Email Id: infoagri@ableindia.org.in
@ABLE_AG
ABLE-AG